Beisel cruises for first 400 IM win

University of Florida swimmer Elizabeth Beisel captured a gold medal Sunday in the 400-meter individual medley on the final day of the world championships.

Special to Gatorsports.com

SHANGHAI, China - University of Florida swimmer Elizabeth Beisel captured a gold medal Sunday in the 400-meter individual medley on the final day of the world championships. Beisel joined former UF standout Ryan Lochte as 400 IM world champions.Beisel, 18, captured her first individual world title in the 400 IM after she clocked in at 4:31.78 to set a new textile (non-polyurethane suits) best in the event. Her time surpasses the previous textile best mark of 4:32.89, set by Katie Hoff at the 2007 World Championships, by a whole second and puts her atop of the Florida record books. The Gator sophomore breezed by the pool of competitors, winning by more than two seconds as Great Britain's Hannah Miley checked in at 4:34.22 for second place and Australia's Stephanie Rice took home bronze with a time of 4:34.23. "My strategy is really just not to worry too much," Beisel said. "It was a very good surprise, and I just try to do my best to win medals."UF swimmers represented more than nine different countries at the international meet, as two Gator coaches, Gregg Troy and Martyn Wilby, supported UF's representation in the United States and Cayman Islands, respectively.The victory marks Beisel's third gold medal in international competition over the past year. She also won the 400 IM and 200 backstroke at the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif.The illustrious world championships marked the last major international swimming meet before next year's Olympic Summer Games in London.